Whether you are having a dinner party with the important women in your life, taking the cold sea plunge for Women’s Aid or joining festivities at Ireland’s only all-female festival, here is how you can celebrate Nollaig na mBan today …
Nollaig na mBan, Little Christmas or Women’s Christmas marks the twelfth and final day of the Christmas period, January 6. Traditionally, this day serves as a reward for the women of the household after all of their hard work over the busy festive period. The women of the house rested and then gathered together to celebrate each other. Finally, a well-deserved day off for roles to be reversed …
The custom was for women to make social calls to the homes of their friends and neighbours for a pot of tea and to enjoy the last of the Christmas cake. This evolved into sharing the dregs of the beverages served over Christmas! It was also believed that it was unlucky to take down the decorations any earlier, so this day remains an important marker for most of us.
It is a day to celebrate the inspiring women in our lives, the women who came before us, who fought and paved the way, and those who have passed away but we remember today and every day.
The tradition of women celebrating together had largely died out until recent years when we saw a welcome revival. There are now dedicated charity swims and festivals, musical and literary evenings, so here’s how you can get in on the fun.
Cold Swim for Women’s Aid
This Nollaig na mBan, Women’s Aid is encouraging everyone to gather friends, family and neighbours alike to take on the Cold Swim. All over Ireland, women will be sea-dipping to raise awareness for the work of Women’s Aid in supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse.
The national frontline organisation is expecting some 5,000 supporters to brave the cold as part of this annual fundraising event. Those wishing to take part can simply register to fundraise on the Women’s Aid website, get a group together or organise a solo dip at your chosen swimming spot at any time today. Look at Nollaig na mBan a little differently and take the plunge to support women in Ireland. Find out more and register here: www.fundraising.womensaid.ie; @womens.aid
Women of Magic and Science: The Irish Writers Centre
The Irish Writers Centre is hosting its annual Nolliag na mBan event at Pearse Street library in Dublin to showcase extraordinary women writers in Ireland. Award-winning poet Jessica Traynor will host the evening of phenomenal readings, spirited discussion and live music. This year’s theme, Women of Magic and Science, will explore themes of witchcraft, tarot talk and scientific endeavours; from Ireland’s first female botanist, Ellen Hutchins, to women working in the field of quantum physics. The women writers you can expect to see include Zoé Basha, Marianne Lee, Nuala O’Connor, Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan, Anna Tannam and Sophie White.
As in previous years, the writing centre is encouraging those attending to take part in a New Year’s Kris Kindle extravaganza. Bring along a much-loved book by a woman writer, wrap it and label it with a description of no more than three lines, so you’ll go home with a new treasure too! Find out more and buy tickets for €30 here: www.irishwriterscentre.ie; @irishwriterscentre
Nollaig na mBan Festival, Dublin North East
One very special way to celebrate is with Ireland’s only all-female cultural event. The Nollaig na mBan festival is in its third year and celebrates the spirit of community, culture and the achievements of women in Dublin’s North Inner City, with the communities of Ballybough, Clonliffe and North Strand gathering together to honour local talent.
Festivities line-up:
2pm: at Charelville Mall Library, ten exceptional women will be awarded for their invaluable contributions to the community. The ceremony will be hosted by local historian and archivist, Catriona Crowe, a former award recipient. Some of those to be recognised include Olympian Kellie Harrington; founder of Mud Island Community Garden Maeve Foreman; founder of Five Lamps Arts Festival Róisín Lonergan and former radio presenter Kirsty Fitzsimons.
4pm: Later in the afternoon, attendees will enjoy a special conversation between Councillor Nial Ring and local hero Kellie Harrington as she reflects on her remarkable achievements, which includes Irish Sportswoman of the Year in 2024, and also her roots in the community.
From the early evening until late, there will be a live music trail taking place in locations across Ballybough and North Strand, featuring performances by celebrated artists of the community and further afield:
6.30pm: St. Columba’s Church, Mary Stokes Trio (7pm) and Muireann Bradley (8pm)
9pm: Annesley House, Leslie Dowdall and Aoife Bridget
9.30pm: Cusack’s Bar, live music with local favourite Sharon
9.30pm: Clonliffe House, Mamma Mia ABBA Tribute Band
Find out more: www.nollaignamban.ie; @nollaignambanie
SEE MORE: Kellie Harrington wins Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year